As four-touchdown underdogs, the Jacksonville Jaguars were the butt of more than the usual amount of jokes going into their Week 6 game in Denver. You can bet the Broncos weren't laughing after the game, despite their 35-19 victory. And you shouldn’t, either.

Yes, for those interested and invested, the final score indicates the Jaguars did cover the spread, which fluctuated between 27 and 28 points. But it also shows no NFL team that’s become a punchline accepts being a punching bag.

The Jaguars, from their early fake punt to their last gasp in the red zone, delivered their best possible blows before not having quite enough. On a day when Peyton Manning looked mortal (two fumbles lost, interception returned for a touchdown), Jacksonville had a chance while Denver was out of sync, and the numbers prove they hung with the AFC favorites for three shocking quarters.

You’ve heard them before. “The Jaguars would lose to the Alabama Crimson Tide.” “They should sign Tim Tebow for the hometown sideshow.” “They should just move to London or Los Angeles.”

The current rebuilding Jaguars don’t have the talent that comes close to what the Broncos and other elite teams have. They didn’t win, but they made it uncomfortable enough, showing for the second straight week that Denver is far from unstoppable. Score another big victory for professional pride.